The StratoSpire 2 is the two person version of the StratoSpire 1. For trekking pole users, this shelter is a gem: save weight and use your trekking poles for a strong, wind and snow stable setup. The StratoSpire’s unique, patented design gives an unprecedented amount of living and vestibule space, perfect for extensive gear and bike storage.
Going solo? Have a look at the StratoSpire 1.
Want incredibly light? Have a look at the StratoSpire Li.
Your order includes:
- StratoSpire 2 fly
- Mesh or solid interior
- Six 8” aluminum stakes + stake bag
- Silnylon stuff sack
Shane Watts –
I own multiple Tarptents and have taken my Stratospire 2 on dozens of backpacking trips. I like it, but don’t love it. To know if this is the right tent for you, you need ot understand its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s my take:
PROS:
– Good quality
– Lots of usable floor and vestibule space
– Very versatile
– Stable in moderate winds
– Fits three, especially if some are smaller (downright roomy for two)
– Relatively lightweight for the floor and vestibule space you get
CONS
– As other reviewers have noted, this tent has a BIG footprint. On multiple occasions I’ve had difficulty finding a backcountry tent site big enough to pitch this space hog. Unless floor and vestibule space are a top priority, I’d consider other Tarptent models.
– It’s not mindlessly easy to setup relative to other tents (or Tarptents), even after a lot of practice.
– It’s challenging to get the tent direction exactly right, even after a lot of practice. Most backcountry tent sites have some sort of slope to them, and I like to pitch my tent head-to-toe relative to any incline. With most tents, this is easy. Not so with the Stratospire 2. Using the recommended pitch technique (which really is the best way), I usually end up 10-15 degrees off my desired line, meaning I’m sleeping at an odd angle to the slope. Adjusting the pitch is not easy, as it involves unstaking/restaking. I’ve developed my own pitch technique that usually allows me to nail the angle the first time. The question is, do you want to be developing techniques or thinking/working hard just to pitch your tent in a certain direction?
John Watkins (verified owner) –
Best Tent Ever! We bought this tent because we were going to walk the Cape Wrath Trail, a 230 mile route (a good portion of it is not really any kind of trail at all; it’s not waymarked; it’s often across trackless moor, bog, rocky ridges; it rains almost every day at least part of the day; it’s very windy and exposed… you get the idea) in far northwest Scotland. It starts in Fort William and ends at the farthest northwest point in Scotland, Cape Wrath. We have backpacked extensively in the US (Sierra, on and off trail; SW canyons, on and off trail; NE mountains; etc.) and trekked in Europe (Corsica, Dolomites, Mt. Blanc), and used every means of shelter from old fashioned heavier double wall tents, to silnylon tarps. The Tarptent Stratospire 2 is hands-down the absolute best tent we have ever used. In Scotland it was easy to set up in rain and wind (once you get used to the right sequence of steps), and lovely to have the tent inside the fly to keep it dry during setup in the rain. It has immense vestibules for wet gear and for cooking in bad weather. It sheds wind really well. It is cozy and warm, especially with the 3/4 solid side tent version. It does have a somewhat larger footprint than other tents, but the space you get is worth it. We love it!
Gary Tongco –
Bought the Stratospire 2 to use on a 3 day 2 night trip on the Teton Crest Trail with my two daughters. It was a good excuse to tell my wife we needed a light weight tent that could sleep three. We slept 3 in the tent comfortably. Had lots of room in the vestibules for our gear. With the big vestibules, comes a big foot print. But the vestibules are worth it. The first time set up was a bit of a pain, but with some practice, could get is set up quickly. Looked at this tent for 2 years before the purchase. Should have bought it sooner.
Kevin Hansen –
I’ve owned my Stratospire 2 for 4 or 5 years now. Just returned from spending a week in northern MN in the BWCAW. Each time I use my Stratospire Tarptent I’m amazed at its simple, efficient, sturdy design. Every time I crawl inside I lay there and admire the thought that went into its design.
Thanks for making a great product, and please keep up the good work.
Keith –
Name a tent that has a better liveable space (floor space and height), is double-walled, vertical sidewalls, that has 2 doors and 2 vestibules that are MASSIVE, and comes from a company with friendly and supportive customer service all at under 2.6lbs? I don’t think you can.
This tent is an outlier. Perfect for two people and a dog. Dry entry since the vestibules are massive, you can change out of your wet gear before you get in. Very storm worthy and very adaptable to any conditions be it hot, rainy, snowy, sunny, etc. The asymmetrical design allows for a roomy interior with poles are away from the door. Most tents with trekking poles have the trekking pole split the door and get in the way of your entry. Not this tent!
The things I don’t like: not “stuffable”, or in other words it has struts that make it difficult to stuff in a stuff sack or backpack. The struts are not easily removable to allow for this AND even if there were, there are 4 of them to deal with. Also, with the asymmetrical design, I always have a hard time knowing where foot and head of the tent will end up lol. It is not that intuitive but I get better after every setup so no stars lost there.
Kjell Forssen (verified owner) –
I thought my Scarp 2 was the best tent that could be made – until now! The Stratosfire 2 has all that Scarp 2 has and large vestibules as an extra feature. My all time favorite from first second.
A little bit tricky to pich but I will soon get the hang of it.
Hannah (verified owner) –
We used this tent for a month of very rainy Spring in New Zealand while hiking and car camping. We chose the 1/2 solid + 1/2 mesh interior to have a bit more warmth during windy gales. The tent worked great, despite the condensation typical of NZ climate. We would unclip the interior each morning to keep it dry. Then towel down the fly to get it as dry as possible before packing it separately. It does require a larger ground space than most 2-man tents but it was never difficult to find such space. It was great to have the extra space to prep and eat meals inside the fly during the deluges. We own several other name-brand tents and the quality of workmanship on this Tarptent is much higher.
Kevin (verified owner) –
The Pros: This thing is light and durable. I take care of my gear, but the quality materials of this tent give me the confidence it can take the worst of beatings. I saw what it was capable of. I got caught in a hail storm at 10k feet along a mountain ridgeline. I pitched the tent and used the extra guyline points to secure it with larger stakes I purchased separately. It rained all night and wind blew by at speeds of 75 MPH. The tent shrugged it off with ease. If you plan on using it in severe cold I recommend the solid interior. The mesh interior is no joke – it really is bug proof and VERY breathable. This tent is also very roomy. I usually go solo and the single version is probably all you need. I decided to get the double so I can accommodate a friend or partner when needed.
Cons: The tent can be rough to pitch. I can see how this can be a pain if you find yourself in areas where space and ground become tricky. However, this is overcome with experience.
Kevin English –
Just got back from 3 nights in the Ishi Wilderness where we had the chance to test out the Stratospire 2 in wind, rain, hail, and snow. It was amazing! Worked so well I think my friend who already owns the Hogback is going to get the Stratospire also. If you are interested in any photos of the tent in the field let me know what size and I can email them to you.
Thanks again from a happy customer,
Kevin English